Tagged: Equal Strain On All Parts

0

#110 – Ti Punch Cafe

Jimmy Buffett, as a writer, whether of songs or stories, was never short on ideas, nor afraid to let his imagination flow. Some of Jimmy’s songs were based on a simple inspiration, maybe a sunset or a perfect day on the water or an iconic drink from the islands, while some of his songs had multiple inspirations, which he always managed to combine into a fantastic song, as if they were always meant to be merged and set to music. Even odd combinations, such as far away star systems and cosmic bakers, or mythologic singers and pirates, or children’s stories about princes from outer space, Ti Punch Café is one of those songs, a little bit of everything that seems to fit together into a beautiful world we would all like to visit for an hour or two, maybe even longer.

#108 – It’s My Job

“Keep the party going” is a quote that’s been rolling through my mind the last several days, and it’s been in relation to my blog posts about Jimmy Buffett’s music. At the beginning of the year, I planned on a song post every Monday, keeping the song sharing going, that I started last year, as a tribute after Jimmy’s passing…
“It’s my job to be better than the best, and that makes the day for me…”
It’s My Job was released on JB’s 1981 album Coconut Telegraph, and it happens to be one of two songs on that album that Jimmy did not have any part of writing. It was written by Lyman Corbitt McAnally Jr. Yes, that’s Mac’s full name, the incomparable Mac McAnally, long-time friend, writing partner, bandmate, and stage side kick of Jimmy Buffett…

#97 – University Of Bourbon Street

University Of Bourbon Street is a song that seems to encapsulate just about everything that Jimmy Buffett loved and admired about New Orleans, combined into one rollicking, Jazz anthem that could lift the heart and soul of every person that hears it. There are mentions of voodoo and gris gris, pirates and streetcars, hurricanes and riverboats, Po’Boy’s and Muffaletta’s, and if that doesn’t capture your attention, then the brass band, dancing feet, second line imagery certainly will. A song that is so personal to Jimmy’s life that his parents’ names are even in the lyrics. Then, there is the actual music, which will absolutely have your feet tapping and your hands clapping and your soul lifting up, all wrapped into a nice little “how to” package of fun!

#89 – Like My Dog

Like My Dog was released on JB’s album Equal Strain On All Parts, the album that turned out to be Jimmy’s posthumous gift to us. The song is light, it’s playful, it’s humorous, it’s emotional and poignant in a way that is hard to describe, yet still leaves the listener feeling warm and fuzzy.  I think this song connects deeply with people who understand the special bond between humans and dogs.

#82 – Johnny’s Rhum

“I had a dream I was down at Jojo’s, Havin’ a burger ‘neath the setting sun, Johnny was sitting in the corner, Sippin’ on a glass of Depaz Rhum…”

Of all the songs on Jimmy’s posthumous album, this one took me completely unaware, and captivated a bit of my soul when I first heard it. And each and every time I hear it, I still feel the same way. Cataloging favorites is hard, so all I am going to say is that this song is special.

Johnny’s Rhum was released on JB’s 2023 album Equal Strain On All Parts. It turned out to be a posthumous album release, although I do not necessarily believe it was intended to be. Whatever its intent, this is an album full of wonderful songs and each is special in its own way.

Day #33 – He Went To Paris

Today is a big day in Jimmy Buffett’s world, even though he might not be with us on the physical plane of this big round ball we call Earth, he is certainly with us in spirit. Today is the release day of Equal Strain On All Parts. We have been able to hear several of the songs from the record already, and we already know that there is one song that already has captured the hearts of his fans, which is Bubbles Up. It already ties to us in an emotional way that maybe equals the emotional attachment we have to He Went To Paris, which for me, has always been deeply sentimental.

Day #32 – Mañana

Mañana turns out to be a very special day for Parrotheads everywhere, because tomorrow, November 3rd, is the day that Jimmy’s album Equal Strain On All Parts is officially released! I have been waiting for it since summer when I heard the first stirrings on RadioMargaritaville, when I first heard My Gummie Just Kicked In. Then, September 1st kicked me in the gut, and I knew that things would never be the same. But right now, we have a gift coming mañana and I am so grateful for that.